Raizes — Restaurant in Stafford

Soliz, we have a problem. For all of my Dulles-ites and Sugar Landians who are devout followers of Soliz Casa de Tacos, get ready to be upgraded. Raizes raises the stakes by offering incredible home-cooked items like chilaquiles, migas, and breakfast tacos stuffed so fat you might mistakenly call them gorditas.

Raizes is family-owned and operated. This is made obvious by the gentleman running the register, while a young girl comes up to take your drink order, and a lovely woman walks around checking on tables. I admire families who work together; even more so, I respect families who can work together harmoniously and produce a quality product.

Their fresh squeezed juices and coffee drinks are perfect for breakfast, and will have you shouting, "Buenos dias!" The man behind the register was quick to suggest the Chilaquiles with Arrachera (marinated skirt steak), so of course I obliged. My boyfriend ordered a chorizo, egg, potato taco, and a bacon, egg, potato taco. I also felt compelled to order a chorizo and bean taco after getting some serious order-envy (i.e. to envy someone else's order at a restaurant). The tacos were filled to the brim, and I appreciate that the chorizo isn't pre-mixed into the eggs like other places. I haven't been able to order a chorizo and bean taco since visiting Laredo in 2010. Their homemade red and green sauces are as delicious as they are cute in their little squirt bottles.

The chilaquiles with arrachera... dios mio. I did not want to share, but did out of pure obligation to my spouse. The meat was so soft and tender that it cut like butter with the touch of my spoon. The tortillas were doused in a delicious, tangy green sauce. And what dish isn't made better with a drizzle of crema? The chilaquiles are so wonderful and homey that I wanted to give a big hug to the mama who put it together.

The only thing I didn't like was the smoothie, made in an expensive blender using cheap mix. I was surprised that the smoothies are made with pre-made mix when they have fresh juice on hand... but this ain't no Smoothie King. I should have known better than to order a smoothie at a Mexican restaurant.

Maybe I love Raizes because of their comforting Mexican home-cooking... Or maybe I was slighted one too many times by the popular kids in high school, and I never got invited to skip class for Soliz tacos...Well, I'm grown now, and grown taste buds deserve real Mexican food, which I am happy to say can be...

This place surprised me in more than one way. Located in small plaza strip. Parking after noon time can be limited. The inside offers a few tables here and there. We were able to get a table for 10 people reserved. The table was ready to go upon our arrival. The man taking our orders were attentive and gave us plenty of time for the rest of our party to arrive before ordering.

The menu was simple. Tacos, breakfast plates, sandwiches, and drinks were display on the menu. For some of us who didn't speak Spanish, it was a bit difficult to understand what was in the food. Some food name was in Spanish and there was no translation on the bottom.

I ordered the potato with chorizo, and eggs and beef tacos. Both tacos were filled up nicely. The beef was tender and came in huge portion. They also gave me a hot red and green salsa. Warning that it can be a bit spicy. I mixed both salsas on my tacos and although it was spicy, it added even more flavors on the tacos. The potatoes came in huge chunks, overflowing the taco. Two tacos were more than enough to fill me up. Prices here were inexpensive with a great portion. My entire party enjoy everything that they order.

On their beverage menu, they serve Vietnamese coffee and Thai iced tea. I was surprised and skeptical after seeing these selection at a Mexican restaurant. I played it safe and got their white mocha. It came out in a to-go cup, super hot. The taste was nothing surprising, your typical white mocha but still delicious. Overall, I enjoy the ambience of this homey brunch place. It is small and local that served authentic Mexican...

We saw all the great reviews and had to try it. My wife enjoyed the Aristo's plate, beef skirt steak, grilled chicken, shrimp and guacamole. She had a choice between rice and beans or grilled vegetables, she picked the veggies and they were as good as the entree, the skirt was a little chewy for her so I non-reluctantly ate it....very tasty. I went with carne guisada with rice and beans, super tender and full of flavor and more than I could eat. We both did flour instead of corn tortillas. They carry and serve Katz coffee, they even have their own blend of beans, from Indonesia and South America, tried a cup and had to bring home a bag of whole beans. They have two thermos's of coffee, one flavored...today's was Tx Hill Country Pecan, the nonflavored was their own Raizes House Blend. We loved a couple small salads with cilantro dressing. The young man/owner brought us three different salsas, the clear plastic squeese bottle had a green mild sauce, the red was the medium heat and the yellow was very hot and tasty, try a drop and enjoy carefully....they brought us a small plate with lime wedges and I completely forgot about them. We'll be back. They do breakfast, lunch and dinner except for Sunday and Monday...they close at 3 pm those days and open every...